'That's me done here' - Conor Bradley's admission now speaks volumes after Liverpool exit

Conor Bradley

Conor Bradley had doubts about his Liverpool future just three years ago.

The right-back will now hope to establish himself as Trent Alexander-Arnold's successor next season after he initially struggled to see a pathway to the first team in 2022.

That summer, Bradley was loaned to Bolton Wanderers, delivering standout performances across 53 appearances as he helped the team reach the play-off places and win the EFL Trophy.

With seven goals and six assists to his name, Bradley's flair for attacking caught the eye of the Liverpool coaching team.

Now a key part of the Reds' squad, Bradley featured in 19 league matches as Arne Slot steered the club to Premier League glory this term.

Despite his success, it wasn't too long ago that Bradley thought he had little chance of competing for Alexander-Arnold's spot in the team.

Bradley said:

"They told me that they wouldn't forget about me when I was out on loan.

“But at the time, you don't really believe it. You think, 'A loan, that's sort of me done here'. But you have to keep working hard.

"I played around 50 games for Bolton, and it was the best thing for me at that time.

“It turned me into what I am now, it changed me from a boy into a man. I'm so grateful for the opportunity Bolton gave me to go and play so many games there. It got me ready for coming back to Liverpool and giving it my best shot."

Bradley initially struggled with an injury upon his return to Liverpool, but eventually made his Premier League debut in January 2024.

He quickly made a lasting impression with a standout performance against Chelsea, scoring a goal and providing two assists in a 4-1 victory, which solidified his position in the first-team squad.

He was also a starter in Liverpool's League Cup final win over Chelsea the following month.

However, the fact that a talented player like Bradley considered his future might lie elsewhere not only highlights the rapid change in his fortunes but also underscores the difficulty of surpassing Alexander-Arnold. Bradley spoke highly of his right-back counterpart before his move to Real Madrid was confirmed.

Bradley quipped

"Not bad, is he?"

"Everybody knows how good Trent is. He's one of a kind as a footballer.

“But my aim is the same as last season - whenever I get a chance to be on the pitch, I'm going to do my best to help the team.”

"It's about winning the games and giving my all. I know I've got some decent competition. If I'm training well, hopefully it can push Trent on and that can only be good for the team."

The 21-year-old is set to face a new challenge next season as he battles with the club's £29.5million signing Jeremie Frimpong for the coveted right-back spot.

Frimpong has also impressed this season with another five goals and 12 assists over 48 matches